Peter Pan Jr. takes off at the Bethlehem Central Middle School

BETHLEHEM — BCSD middle school has employed an internationally respected theatrical flying service to assist with their upcoming production of Peter Pan Jr. Performances are scheduled to take at Bethlehem Central Middle School (BCMS), the weekend of January 25-28.

Photo submitted

The cast and crew of 140 students have been busy preparing for the upcoming presentation of the musical, which is based on the classic children’s novel by J.M. Barrie. Its lead characters will literally take flight into the magical world of Neverland, suspended from harnesses and flying across the stage, during each performance.

Key members of the cast and crew were instructed on aerography by “Flying By Foy.” School officials contracted the professional flight instruction service to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance for BCMS students.

Flying by Foy has coordinated aerography for a host of professional theater companies and high profile performers in film and television, ballet and opera, theme parks, cruise ships and not-for-profits, according to its website.

“We knew going in, Peter Pan Jr. would be an extremely challenging yet absolutely rewarding show for BCMS,” said Director Lyndsay Dashew. “Once we decided on it, we knew the flying component would need to be handled correctly, not only for the theatrical value, but, most importantly, for the safety of our students.”

Francie Johnson, an eighth grader, was chosen out of nearly 200 students who tried out to star in the role of Peter Pan.

Tiger Lily, played by Stella Convertino, with the Brave Girls. Photo submitted

“Being in Peter Pan is exciting because I get to work with different people and be a completely different person when I’m on stage,” said Johnson. “The experience of flying for Peter Pan makes me nervous, yet excited. I feel so confident when I’m flying, knowing I am prepared and in good hands.”

Allie Seebode, also an eighth grader at BCMS, was cast as Wendy Darling in the show. “I think it’s incredible how we will become airborne and zoom around right here in the middle school auditorium,” she said. “It’s surreal.”

“Getting to be part of the show has really allowed me to connect with my character Wendy, because she is a curious and kind-hearted girl,” said Seebode, “yet she isn’t afraid to pick a fight or stand up for a friend.”

The production includes 75 students performing on stage, with technical assistance in areas including costumes, sets, props, sound and lightning, and ushers provided by an additional 65 students, as well as a large component of parent volunteers.

Public ticket sales will be held Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition, the box office will open for public ticket sales an hour and a half prior to each performance. For ticket sales and performances, use the main BCMS entrance at 332 Kenwood Ave. in Delmar.

“I am proud of this show and the dedication, hard work and professionalism of the theater program at BCMS” said Dashew. “We aimed high for Peter Pan and think the experience for cast, crew and audience will be an adventure to remember,” she added.

For more information, go to http://www.bethlehemschools.org/peter-pan-jr-bcms-jan-25-28/.

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